John Poppe Plucker - Stage Coach incident

 November 12, 2007

 

STAGECOACH TRAIL RECALLED

LENNOX MAN CHANGED HORSES

            Lennox, S.D. May 2 –One of Lennox’s well-known pioneer residents, John P. Plucker, includes narrations of the old Sioux Falls-Yankton stage coach trail among his recollections.

            Both Mr. & Mrs. Plucker have been longtime residents of this community. They were married November 20, 1893—a wedding partnership of nearly 47 years—and they farmed seven miles northwest of Lennox until 1920, when they moved to Lennox with their retirement. They were married in the Germantown Presbyterian Church, eight miles northwest of Lennox, which was organized May 5, 1886—with Mrs. Plucker’s father, the late Rev. P.H. Witte, the first pastor of that church.

Father Homesteaded

            Mr. Plucker was born November 11, 1869, at Rockford, Ill., and Mrs. Plucker was born December 1, 1872, at Alton, Ill. The former’s parents were natives of Germany, immigrating to America and Rockford in 1866 and moving to Ackley in 1872.

            In 1877 Mr. Plucker’s father filed on a homestead six miles northwest of Lennox, his family joining him nearly a year later. It was by this farm that the Sioux Falls-Yankton stage coach trail served. Horses were changed at the Plucker farm and at Swan Lake. Although only a youth then, he tells of various experiences in connection with the early stage trail, at times assisting in the changing of horses. Indians were common in the Plucker family’s earliest years here. Likewise, Mr. Plucker and a brother were caught in the blizzard of 1888, in which three neighboring boys lost their lives while returning from school.

Belong to Old Church

            Mr. and Mrs. Plucker still are affiliated with the Germantown Presbyterian church. He has served as elder and deacon more than 15 and 20 years, respectively. He was an alderman on the city council from ward 3 for four years.

            There are four children, namely: Mrs. P. H. Poppens, Princeton, Ill.; M. E. Plucker, on the old home place; Mrs. J. L. Mihelic, Chicago, and Mrs. Charles Wadleigh, of Albuquerque, N. M.

 

In her letter, Dots says:

“Lennox Anniversary Edition 1879-1939”

Did you ever read the account of the Yankton-Sioux Falls stage coach trail as it crossed the Plucker farm? The book tells that John P. Plucker was an eye witness of one of the robberies. He was 10 at the time as he saw the “federal” men capture the robbers.

 

 

More research from the Chancellor History Booklet:

            This book says the Yankton, S.F. coach trail ran across the Menne Plucker farm in Section 10 of Turner County. That Plucker farm would be where Uncle Enno Plucker lived (his father had homesteaded that land). Now the farm is occupied by Michael Plucker and family. Mike is the great grandson of Enno and Minnie Plucker.

 

 

Engel Poppen Plucker Obituary

 OBITUARY

 

ENGEL PLUCKER

 

August 12, 1838 – September 4, 1915

 

Miss Engel Poppen was born August 12, 1838 at Suurhusen, Ostfriesland, Germany, and died September 4, 1915 and was seventy-seven years and twenty-three days of age at the time of death.

            She was united in marriage to Mr. Menne Plucker on April 18, 1866, who still survives her.

            The young couple came to America a short time after their marriage and lived in Illinois from 1866 until some time in 1872 when they moved to Iowa living in that state until the year 1878 when they immigrated to Dakota, settling on a farm four miles northeast of Chancellor and upon which her and her husband have lived continuously up to the time of her death.

            She leaves to mourn her loss her aged husband seven children – all married, forty-two grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

            She was an every day Christian, being a faithful member of the Germantown Presbyterian Church from the time it was organized twenty-eight years ago until her death.  The beautifying influences of a pure religion were spread over a life and character as spotless and charming as was ever possessed by any of the noble women who have lived and died during the ages that are gone.  As such a life was a blessing and benefaction to all within the sphere of its influence so is the death of such as an irreparable loss to the home circle made desolate by her departure.  It is difficult to pay a fitting tribute to the memory of so noble a woman – one whose every day life was embellished by the most charming and lovable attributes of her sex.

            She could tell many interesting incidents of early pioneer experience with the Indians, the old time Dakota blizzards and other hardships through which she passed.

 

Dena Thaden and MEJ Plucker wedding announcement

 PLUCKER – THADEN

WEDDING NOTICE IN THE LENNOX INDEPENDENT

1924

 

            A very pretty scene took place at the home of E. L. Thaden on Wednesday, June 4^th, at high noon, when Miss Dena Thaden became the wife of Mr. Menno Plucker.

            At twelve o’clock noon, the bridal couple were lead into the parlor by Rev. John Smidt, where the immediate relatives and friends were gathered.

            The bride was attended by Catherine Bunger, a very charming young lady from Davis, S. D.  The groom was attended by her brother, Mr. Jerry Thaden, a student from the University of Dubuque.

            After the ceremony, a delicious three course dinner was served to which all did justice.

            The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Thaden, and is well known, as she grew to womanhood in this vicinity.  She was educated at the University of Dubuque, and also took a course in nurse training at the Clinic Hospital at Huron.  She has by her kind actions and disposition and her pleasant ways won a host of friends.  We are sure she will bring sunshine in the home that will soon by organized.

            She was beautifully attired in silk charmeuse satin trimmed with white and she carried a boquet white roses.  

            The groom is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Plucker of Lennox, S. D.  He grew to manhood in and near Lennox and was also educated at the University of Dubuque.  He is well known and has for the past few years conducted a grain elevator in Lennox.  Through his steady disposition and civil manner he has won a host of friends.

            The bridal couple left for Princeton, Ill., where they will spend a few weeks on a honeymoon.

            They will be at home to their friends in Lennox after the 20^th of June.

            The Independent and friends of Mr. & Mrs. Plucker wish them success and happiness.

Menne Albert Plucker + stage coach

 MR. & MRS. MENNE A. PLUCKER

 

Mr. & Mrs. Menne Albert Plucker were early pioneer settlers of this vicinity. (The Lennox, South Dakota vicinity)

 

Mr. Plucker was born September 17, 1837 in Uttum, Ostfriesland, Germany. Mrs. Plucker, also a native of Germany, was born at Suurhusen, Ostriesland, August 12, 1838. Prior to her marriage, her name was Miss Engel Poppen. Both members of this union were reared in Germany and subsequently married abroad on April 18, 1866. The newly married couple then left their native land and immigrated to the United States, settling in Ogle County at Rockford, IL. They resided there for nearly six years, and in 1972 continued their trek westward to Ackley, IA.

 

After residing nearly half a decade in the Hawkeye state, Mr. Plucker in 1877 came to Dakota Territory and filed on a homestead claim six miles northwest of Lennox. The following year, 1878, his family took up their residence here with him.

 

Nine children were born to this union, two of whom died when quite young. They were Wessel (1867-1939, John (1869-1957), Harmke (1871-1931), Menno (1873-1917), Henry (1876-1953), Grace (1878-1958) and Enno (1880-1950). 

 

Mr. Plucker attained the age of 87 years, 11 months and eight days at the time of his death on August 25, 1925. Mrs. Plucker preceded him in death, passing away September 4, 1915 at the age of 77 years and 23 days.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Plucker were charter members of the Germantown Presbyterian Church and he was one of the original elders. Following Mrs. Plucker’s death in 1915 Mr. Plucker spent his remaining years with his son, Enno M. Plucker.

 

The Plucker family came to Sioux Falls on one of the first freight trains and was delayed briefly while the railroad was being completed. They endured the many early hardships which prevailed, and witnessed the progress of this large area.

 

In the blizzard of 1888, Menne Plucker lost 37 head of cattle, and the following year he constructed a large barn which was used until 1997.

 

The two eldest boys, Wessel and John, were caught in the blizzard of 1888, one and ½ miles from home, while they were hauling straw. When the blizzard struck it took the load of straw and rack, leaving them with a bobsled. With the aid of the hard trail and other indications leading to their farm they reached the place safely, although the blizzard was so severe they passed their father in their yard unnoticed. The two boys and their horses, were coated with ice and snow when their father located them in the barn.

 

During the winter of 1881 the Plucker family was unable to get to town for three months due to the deep snow and many snow storms. During that time they ground six sacks (15 bushels) of wheat in a coffee mill. Early in March, Mr. Plucker and his son, Wessel, went to Lennox on snowshoes to get necessary supplies. It was impossible for them to get to their stock for three days on one occasion during that winter.

 

The old Yankton-Sioux Falls stage coach trail crossed the Plucker farm and John P. Plucker was an eye witness of the robbery of one of the stages. A lad of but 10 years, he saw the “federal” men capture the robber – approximately 80 rods from the Plucker home. The stage coach horses were kept at Sioux Falls, the Plucker farm and Swan Lake. The horses were changed at these places enroute to and from Yankton. There was only one other farm home recorded between Sioux Falls and the Plucker farm.

 

Indians were numerous here years ago. It was common to see 50 wagons of Indians coming through – often camping on the Plucker farm along Long Creek. They would sometimes ask for clothing and food. Their hunting and trapping centered on muskrat, rabbit and skunk. At one time there were approximately 150 wagons conveying nearly 500 Indians camping on the Plucker farm. Most times they were quite friendly, and the boys frequently visited them. Occasionally, when the weather was inclement, Indians were taken in as guests and slept on the floor of the Plucker home.

 

In 1884, Menne Plucker lost a son, Dierk, who was born December 28, 1882 and died March 2 1884. When this child died, Menne donated land where this child was buried. This became the first burial of Germantown Cemetery.

 

In 1886 Great Grandpa Menne Plucker donated land for the Germantown Church. He was one of the first elders of the church and he and his wife were charter members.

 

From the Chancellor Anniversary Book

(check date)

How they got Germantown Church

Pastor Witte's Obituary

 WITTE

 

PASTOR ERNST PHILLIPP WITTE

 

 

This is his obituary:

 

            “Oh to us becomes the heart so empty in the ringing world, and we all long for the Father’s House so very much.”

 

            On Sunday evening, just as the sun disappeared in the west, Pastor Phillipp Witte died on the 11^th of September (1909) in his house in Marion, South Dakota.  Long days of biter suffering were left behind, although he still believed that he had to do something still here on earth so that his death would have meaning.  Through innocent beliefs in Jesus Christ, he exhaled his life at an age of almost 73 years.

            Pastor Witte was one of the pioneers of our German undertakings in the west.  He had seen the same small beginning and was permitted to still rejoice and see how the work of God’s success grew and how beautiful it spread.

            On December 1, 1837, he was born in Lippe-Detmold.  When he was 23 years old he came to America and settled in the vicinity of Fosterburg, Illinois.  There he married Fraulein Antje Wiemers.  They had five children, four of whom are still living.

            Already for a long time he felt the pressure inside that the Lord wanted to make use of him in the ministry.  But he was against it.  Then came a hard belt.  The Lord took away his wife in the year 1878.

            In this time of darkness, he saw the Lord’s hand and in the same year he entered the seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.  Through hard studying and love of his work he decided to finish his years of studying.  During this time he had again gotten married to Fraulein Henrietta Voss.  There were given five children.  His first field of work was in the area of Prairie Dell in Illinois.  He worked there several years until he took the train and followed the German immigrants to the west.  He took over a small field in the vicinity of Chancellor, South Dakota, a field which is now such a blooming community.  In the year 1888 he came further west to Marion, South Dakota and there became established through him our present community in the year 1889 where he spent the decline of his life.

            For about 15 years the community was building a church which unfortunately before they were finished, burned to the ground.  On the ruins stood Pastor Witte, with the discouraged community.  Still with trust in God, they agreed to begin building again.  So, he spent his time in the middle of the work which he had started, until God took him on the above mentioned date of time. Rest after the work!!

 

(Translated by Cynthia Jean Straatmeyer, great, great granddaughter of Phillipp E. Witte, on June 26, 1979, 69 years after his death.)

 

(The great grandfather of Jean Ellen Plucker Straatmeyer.  His daughter, Christina Rebecca Witte, married John Poppe Plucker.  Their son, Menne Elvin Plucker was Jean’s father.)

 

 FIFTY-EIGHTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

MR. AND MRS. JOHN P. PLUCKER

From The Presbyterian Messenger – written by Lydia Plucker Mihelic

1951

 

            On November 29^th Mr. & Mrs. John P. Plucker of Lennox observed their 58^th wedding anniversary.  They have spent most of their lives in the Germantown and Lennox vicinities.  The parents of both of them were pioneers.  Mr. Plucker’s parents came from East Friesland, Germany to Oregon, Illinois about 1860.  From there they moved to Ackley, Iowa, and in the fall of 1877 they took a homestead in the present Germantown township area.  Mrs. Plucker’s father, the Reverend Philipp Witte, became the first pastor of the Germantown Presbyterian congregation which was organized in 1886.  The building was erected in 1887 on land given by Menne Plucker the father of John P.  It was there that John Plucker and Christina Witte met and in 1893 they were married by the bride’s father.

            After 28 years of farming the family moved to their present home in Lennox.  Mr. & Mrs. Plucker enjoy visiting with friends and neighbors and especially with their three daughters and one son who come to see them as often as possible.  At 82 Mr. Plucker still likes to tell stories of incidents which happened in his childhood, and which are of interest to our generation in that they furnish some very sharp contrasts in methods of work and attitudes of people then and now.  Some of these stories follow and could be matched by other pioneer couples whose children still live in this area.

            Mr. Plucker tells that the farm which is presently owned and operated by his son, M. E. J. Plucker, was originally homesteaded by a Frenchman.  His father, Menne Plucker, purchased it from him in 1884.  The land was half cultivated and half prairie.  Before the prairie land could produce, the prairie grass had to be burned in the fall and broken the following spring, and then it was plowed back in the fall.  This was called “Back-set.”  It was not till the following spring that the land was ready for sowing wheat.  Corn could not be planted because the land was too hard to work.

            Another recollection of Mr. Plucker is that the first summer of their married life, in 1894, there occurred a very severe drought which caused a total failure of crops, both garden and grain.  Then every effort had to be made in order to keep the animals alive.

            Still another story which he likes to tell is the one about their trip from Ackley, Iowa, to the homestead claim in the Germantown Township.  His father came ahead to begin the homestead and to have some of the land broken.  Six months later the family of six children came by train.  With two wagons they brought some lumber, stock and one pig.  Since there were no wild animals which could be hunted for meat, the pig which they brought with them was their only source of meat for the first year, 1878.  Because of adverse circumstances, the Menne Plucker family had very little money when they moved from Illinois, and when Menne came to South Dakota to claim the homestead, he had only $5.00 in his pocket.  He borrowed money to build a mud house and to buy the absolute necessities for his family.  The interest on the borrowed money was 10% and a 5% commission.  Another item of interest which Mr. Plucker recalls is the prices.  In 1895 eggs were three cents a dozen, and corn cost 25 to 30 cents a bushel.  In 1920 oats sold for $1.04 a bushel, but in 1922 it was only eight cents a bushel.

            Amid all these difficulties and every day problems the Pluckers took a lively interest in the church.  The church was to them a haven of rest and a source of strength.  They did all in their power to preserve it for future generations.  May the gracious Lord continue to grant the John P. Pluckers a pleasant eventide.